WHL's Calgary Hitmen edge Edmonton Oil Kings in OT

Calgary Hitmen rookie Jake Virtanen gains control of the puck in traffic during the second period of WHL action as the hosts beat Edmonton Oil Kings on Sunday afternoon 6-5 in overtime at the Saddledome. Photo by Brendan Miller/Special to the Sun.

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For the second time in as many meetings this season, the Hitmen defeated the defending WHL champion Edmonton Oil Kings with a

6-5 overtime victory Sunday afternoon at the Saddledome.

“We feel we can be a top team, but we have to prove it,” said Hitmen head coach Mike Williamson, whose club snapped a two-game losing skid.

“So to find a way to win a couple games against them is a good start.”

Spencer Humphries was the hero when he notched the winner on the powerplay in extra time before the announced Saddledome crowd of 6,867 fans.

But the surprising offensive standout was Alex Roach.

The big blueliner scored twice and added an assist for the most productive WHL game of his career.

“Last year, I had not a very good season, and this summer, I focused on trying to be one of the top d-men here,” said the Los Angeles Kings free-agent signee, who posted a plus-4 rating Sunday. “I know I have to contribute every night.”

“His mental approach has been incredible,” Williamson said of Roach.

“Every day in practice, he’s one of the hardest-working guys. He’s pushing himself and coming prepared for the game. He’s got a focus to him, a maturity thing. He’s always had those games but never put them together back-to-back-to-back like he has.”